Layered Chocolate Nougat Bars – Bajadera (Bah-Ya-Deh-Rah)

Directions

1. 1
   Line a 8x8 baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides; set aside.In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and butter; place over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and butter melts.Stir in the ground crackers and hazelnuts; stir mixture until completely combined.
2. 2
   Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.Divide batter into two equal parts.
3. 3
   Pour melted chocolate into one of the batters.
4. 4
   Transfer only HALF of the chocolate batter to previously prepared pan.
5. 5
   Place in freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it sets.
6. 6
   Spread the light-colored batter over the chocolate batter; freeze for 15 minutes or until it sets.
7. 7
   Add the remaining chocolate batter over the top; place in freezer for 15 minutes, or until set.
8. 8
   Combine milk, powdered sugar and butter in a saucepan; cook and stir over medium-high heat until butter melts.
9. 9
   Remove from heat; add chocolate, and stir until chocolate melts.
10. 10
    Spread chocolate mixture evenly over bajadera.Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.
11. 11
    Sprinkle with sea salt.Using the overhang as handles, remove bajadera from pan; using a sharp knife, cut into 24 bars.
12. 12
    Serve.